Baked Shrimp Toast
Baked shrimp toast is a warm, savory appetizer made with chopped shrimp, garlic, cream cheese, and parmesan, spooned over toasted bread and baked until bubbly. It's quick, easy to serve, and makes the perfect appetizer.
Because everything is baked in the oven, this recipe is more hands-off than traditional fried shrimp toast. It works well for parties, holidays, or even a casual dinner night when you want a shareable appetizer everyone can enjoy.
This baked shrimp toast is a recipe I've made often when we're having people over and it's one that always goes quickly once it hits the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep: Comes together in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Oven-baked: No frying required, making it easier and less messy.
- Great for sharing: Perfect for parties, holidays, or casual gatherings.
- Rich and flavorful: Creamy shrimp mixture with garlic and parmesan in every bite.
Ingredients You'll Need
Mini entertaining bread: Creates the perfect base for individual shrimp toasts.
Butter: Adds richness and helps cook the shrimp.
Shrimp: Chopped shrimp provides texture and savory flavor.
Garlic: Adds depth and aroma to the shrimp mixture.
Cream cheese: Creates a creamy, spreadable topping.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps bind the mixture.
Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color.
Salt and black pepper: Balances and enhances flavor.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick of heat.
Green onions: Fresh topping that adds mild onion flavor and color.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Toast
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and arrange the bread slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Toast the bread for 3 to 4 minutes per side, then remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Step 4: Add the shrimp and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the shrimp is warmed through.
Step 5: Stir in the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until the cheeses are melted and combined.
Step 6: Spoon the shrimp mixture evenly over each slice of toast and return to the oven to bake for 10 minutes, until hot and lightly toasted. Serve immediately topped with chopped green onions.
Substitutions and Tips
- Bread: Use baguette slices if mini entertaining bread isn't available.
- Spice level: Skip the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
- Cheese: Parmesan works best, but asiago can be substituted if needed.
- Serving tip: Serve immediately while hot for the best texture.
What to Serve With Baked Shrimp Toast
Baked shrimp toast pairs well with a simple green salad or other light appetizers. It's a great addition to party spreads, holiday menus, or gatherings where finger foods work best.
Storage and Reheating
This shrimp toast is best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven until warmed through, but the bread won't be as toasty.
FAQs
What is baked shrimp toast?
Baked shrimp toast is an appetizer made with chopped shrimp, garlic, and cheese spread on toasted bread and baked until hot and bubbly.
Can shrimp toast be baked instead of fried?
Yes, shrimp toast can be baked in the oven, which makes it easier to prepare and less messy than frying.
Can I make baked shrimp toast ahead of time?
You can prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time, but it's best to assemble and bake the toast just before serving.
What type of bread works best for shrimp toast?
Mini entertaining bread or sliced baguette works best because it holds the topping well without becoming soggy.
More Easy Appetizers
- Cold Mexican Corn Dip
- Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
- BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
- Easy 7 Layer Taco Cups
Baked Shrimp Toast (Easy Oven Appetizer)
Ingredients
- 12 slices mini entertaining bread
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and arrange the bread slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Toast the bread for 3 to 4 minutes per side, then remove from the oven and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, until warmed through.
- Stir in the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using, until melted and combined.
- Spoon the shrimp mixture over each slice of toast and bake for 10 minutes.
- Top with green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make-ahead tip: The shrimp mixture can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated. Assemble and bake just before serving.
- Texture tip: Finely diced shrimp helps the topping spread evenly and bake consistently.
- Serving tip: Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy cheese mixture.
Any nutrition calculation are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
